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Spree, Serveert & Sewing

Last Tuesday, when I was gonna post this, an EP and CD from two bands I truly, truly have enjoyed in the past were released: Polyphonic Spree and Bettie Serveert.

The Ep from Polyphonic Spree was titled, "Wait." Honestly, it didn't overwhelm. I loved Together We Are Heavy, I just thought it was genius in concept and also just tremendously listenable. I know, people love 'em or hate 'em and I get that, I could see how the whole uplifting choral thing could be annoying but I dig it. Tim DeLaughter's lyrics aren't anything to write home about either, I mean, sometimes they make me cringe, but still, I love the SOUND. The EP has three covers: Nirvana's "Lithium," Psychedelic Furs' "Love My Way" and a cover of De Laughter's old band Tripping Daisy, the song being "Sonic Bloom." I like the latter just fine, but the first two sound like bad novelties, just awful. They really are better just doing their big orchestra get-happy sweeping walls of sound. So here is the song that most sounds like it could be on Together. Don't get me wrong, I'd love for them to "grow" and "change" but not in the direction of oh say, a marching band covering today's popular hits. The EP has another new one, and the Tripping Daisy song is nice, so go get those at iTunes, where I believe it is housed exclusively, for now.

Polyphonic Spree, "I'm Calling"

Bettie Serveert put out one of my favorite CDs, Palomine on Matador. I loved Carol Van Dijk's voice. She sounded gorgeous and a little drunk. She sounded like she'd be daring and proper at the same time. I bought their first two CDs and then heard something bad and really didn't give them another listen. But I go back to Palomine all the time. Then I heard this track, from their latest, on Minty Fresh, and thought they were worth another listen. I have the EP from this CD they released in July. And this is the best song. But the CD is now out and worth a spin.

Bettie Serveert, "Hell = Other People"

More about: Polyphonic Spree, Bettie Serveert

In other news:

Hipster Sewing Patterns
I came across this and freaked out. Built By Wendy and Simplicity patterns have teamed up to make sewing patterns that are yes, Built by Wendy. If you're at all familar with Wendy Mullin's clothing line then you know this is a wonderfully inspiring thing. There is a pattern for a swing coat that is to die for adorable and I'm giving it a swirl. Even te graphics on the patterns, at left, are cool. Pick up her book Sew U. if your sewing skills aren't up to snuff. Oh and if you're here from my (sm)all ages site and have a new little on the way, she makes a couple of baby duds that are oh so chic. Can I say enough cool stuff about this girl? No, she also makes, and has made for years, coolio guitar straps. I want the tweed one.

And Since We're Talking Sewing...
Remember, I have a book that is for the youngins' all about sewing by hand and crafting cool clothes out of their old snarky ones. I Wanna Make My Own Clothes is the ideal back-to-school gift, hostess present or kids' party inspiration. Go nab it.

The Best Fabric
I think by now everyone and their grams knows about this place, but since we are talking sewing today, ReproDepot.com has amazing fabric, if not stellar customer service. I'm particularly fond of this one and plan on making my kid a dress out of it soon. They have a few cool patterns there too.